Polk Audio PSW10 vs Yamaha YST-SW216

PSW10 vs YST-SW216 comparison chart

Overall
Polk Audio PSW10
6.3
Yamaha YST-SW216
5
8
4

Polk Audio PSW10 vs Yamaha YST-SW216 review

Polk Audio PSW10 vs Yamaha YST-SW216

Polk Audio PSW10 review

Other day, I was testing Polk Audio PSW10 vs Yamaha YST-SW216 subwoofers. The one by Polk Audio with a 10-inch front panel driver has a 50-100 W nominal-maximal output range. Its smart sensing circuitry knows when to turn itself on and off, and superior compression circuitry limits distortion at extreme volume levels. 85 dB sensitivity and 35-200 Hz frequency response range of this subwoofer ensures production of high-level clear sound. PSW10 model is constructed to blend perfectly with both Polk loudspeakers systems as well as of the other manufacturers, especially TSi, RM and R/T/M Series speakers. Combination of the hi-tech polymer driver materials and enclosure construction techniques results in a synergistic effect producing decent clean sound.

Polk Audio PSW10 review

Yamaha YST-SW216 review

Having been tested Yamaha YST-SW216 vs Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofers, I can outline that both products have the same nominal-maximal output range of 50-100 W as well as identical amplifier output power of 50 W. Yamaha device with 25-180 Hz frequency response provides deep bass sound and impresses with the signal strength as for the subwoofer of its dimensions. For minimizing extraneous noise it comes with a linear port and what distinguishes YST-SW216 from the majority of other devices of the kind is the presence of high-cut filter instead of low-pass control. For a small or mid-sized room this Yamaha subwoofer is a good choice to complete an audio system.

Yamaha YST-SW216 review

Polk Audio PSW10 pros and cons

Pros

  • Sound quality and wideness of PSW10 brings an effect of presence
  • Customer-friendly user guide let you set it up and tune pretty easily
  • Comes with both speaker-level and line-level inputs

Cons

  • For a large room a second one may be needed
  • Slight distortion in low frequencies appears on a high volume

Yamaha YST-SW216 pros and cons

Pros

  • Easy hookup - just a power cord, power button, RCA subwoofer input and a volume
  • Nice deep low sound on the frequencies below 60 Hz
  • The sound is particularly pleasant with film music: no exaggerated boom or annoying lingering echo

Cons

  • The midbass in 60-120 Hz sounds a little bit weak
  • No low-pass and crossover filter controls

Votes 5 5
Rating 3.2 3.2
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Common

Product

Polk Audio PSW10
Yamaha YST-SW216

Model

PSW10
YST-SW216

Brand

Polk Audio
Yamaha

Reviews

9215
381

General

Amplification type

active
active

Wireless

Detachable grilles

Enclosure type

vented
vented

Power

Nominal output power (RMS), W

50
50

Maximal output power (RMS), W

100
100

Audio performance

Sensitivity, dB

85
100

Impedance, Ohm

4
12

Frequency response, Hz

35-200
25-180

Crossover frequency, Hz

80-160
40-140

Driver

Driver quantity

1
1

Driver size, in

10
10

Driver placement

front panel
front panel

Port placement

front panel
right panel

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

Extensive connection

RCA LFE inputs

0
1

RCA stereo line level inputs (pair)

1
0

RCA outputs

0
0

XLR inputs (pair)

0
0

XLR outputs (pair)

0
0

Speaker level output (pair)

2
2

Speaker level input (pair)

2
2

Control

Volume

Subwoofer phase

Low-pass filter

Main power switch

App control

Desing

Body material

MDF
MDF

Woofer composition

polymer
polymer

Colors

black, brown, silver
black

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Dimensions (W x H x D), cm/in

35.6 x 36.5 x 41/14 x 16.2 x 14.4
34 x 34 x 38.5/13.3 x 13.3 x 15.1

Weight, kg/pounds

11.8/26
11.2/24.7

Other

Release year

2006
2009
Polk Audio PSW10
Yamaha YST-SW216
Polk Audio PSW10
Yamaha YST-SW216

Subwoofers CHooseratoR comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6.3
  • 5
  • 6.3Polk Audio PSW10
  • 5Yamaha YST-SW216